Maree Todd MSP comments on the closure of Castle Gardens in Invergordon:
“I am sorry to learn of yet another care home closure in my constituency.
“I know that the loss of Castle Gardens will be felt keenly amongst the Invergordon and wider Easter Ross community.
“I had the pleasure of meeting with the dedicated staff at Castle Gardens last summer, where the team’s passion for providing person-centred, high-quality care was evident.
“We cannot afford to lose staff like this in the health and social care sector; therefore, I welcome NHS Highland’s commitment to retaining Castle Gardens staff over the managed closure period and thereafter in roles within NHS Highland or through partner providers.
“This most recent care home closure is another example which demonstrates the need for reform in the social care sector.
“Right now, our rural communities are losing social care facilities, which can be devastating and disruptive to both residents and their families and friends.
“I will continue to engage closely with NHS Highland and the Highland Council on this matter.
“I will also be writing to the minister with responsibility for social care when a new government is formed next week, where I will request that upcoming policy decisions relating to social care are considerate of the distinct challenges faced in rural areas.”